Springfield, MO - The Cardinals used a trio of homers and a terrific start from Carlos Martinez to blank Frisco 5-0 in Game One of the Texas League Championship Series.

The Springfield Cardinals struck first in Game One of the Championship with two outs in the second inning. Greg Garcia came to the plate and ripped a 1-1 pitch over the right field wall to make it 1-0.

Cardinals' starter Carlos Martinez was able to pitch his way into and out of trouble in the 3rd as he had runners at second and third with only one out without a Frisco hit. Martinez would strike out the next two to end the inning. He did much of the same in the 4th loading the bases with one out on a pair of hits and defensive misplay. But, Martinez induced an inning ending double play to get out of trouble.

The score stay at 1-0 until the bottom of the 7th inning. Frisco starter Cody Buckel retired 10 straight batters from the 3rd into the 7th, but Jamie Romak ended that stretch with a solo homer to left to give Springfield an insurance run making the score 2-0. After a hit batter and a walk, Mike O'Neill launched a three-run shot, his first of the season, to grab a commanding 5-0 advantage.

Carlos Martinez finished his outing with seven shutout innings allowing just four hits with seven strikeouts. Eric Fornataro and Michael Blazek each added scoreless innings to finish off Frisco 5-0 in game one of the series.

The Championship Series will continue with Game Two Wednesday night at 7:08pm at Hammons Field. Springfield will send Post-Season All-Star Seth Maness to the mound against former Missouri Tiger Nick Tepesch of Frisco.

Being the last game of the season at home, the Springfield Cardinals would like to say Thank You to the best fans in baseball by having ANOTHER Fan Appreciation Day where everyone through the gates will receive a voucher good for free ticket to a game in 2013.

Great tickets are still available, so visit the Hammons Field Ticket Office, go online at springfieldcardinals.com or call (417) 863-2143.

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